You are correct Colin, I first published it to the aviation history list I own, as well as the astronauts.

Ironically, Al was Crossfields back up for the X-15 program.

This is hitting me hard, two friends in this short a span of time. He and I were to travel to Dayton, Ohio this July for Bob White's NAHF induction, as a sort of follow up for Al's nomination to the NAHF. Al & Bob flew in the same fighter group/squadron in WWII.

Sad indeed. Doug you were with us in the lobby of the Park Plaza with Joe Cotton. Did it sink in right then that was the first flight crew of the XB-70?

A true pioneer aerospace-man.

hinkler

Godspeed Al White.

Regards, Ian from Oz.

machbusterman

What a terrible week it has been. I was at the Park Plaza that day too and had the pleasure of spending time with both Al White and Joe Cotton:

I feel very honoured and fortunate to have met Al White and right now my thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.

Godspeed Al...

Kind regards,

Derek

Edited by machbusterman

Aztecdoug

quote:Originally posted by albatron@aol.com:Sad indeed. Doug you were with us in the lobby of the Park Plaza with Joe Cotton. Did it sink in right then that was the first flight crew of the XB-70?

Al at the time I was just in such awe that Al White was there in person. I certainly had XB-70 on my mind at the time. But I wasn't putting all the pieces together.

One thing I have learned the hard way over the past 6 months is that as much as I want, and try, to appreciate those special moments, the real time reflecting tends to get lost in the fluidity of the moment. There is a mistaken sense that I, or even all of us share, that these moments are not unique, and they will replay for us over and over again.

But, sadly, fate has other business to take care of, and we are left with passing smiles, glances, or some trivial remarks that are our last memories of people that we really meant to say so much more too that last time, had we known.

We are left with memories, prayer and faith that we will all meet again in a better place.